Quote of the Day: Firas Zahabi Comments on UFC 158 Weigh-In Complaint: “GSP Made Weight And He Had His Shorts On”

Just days removed from the news that Nick Diaz’s camp is planning on filing a complaint with the Quebec Athletic Commission, regarding how the organization oversaw the UFC 158 weigh-ins, Georges St. Pierre’s trainer Firas Zahabi has spoken out.

According to a report from the Canadian newspaper The Province, Zahabi doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about. Diaz and his representatives were informed shortly before his March 16th bout with St. Pierre, that the commission did not account for decimal points in a fighter’s weight. They reportedly did not know about the rule heading into the event.

So, technically, a fighter could weigh-in at 170.9 and it would be declared 170 pounds by the commission. Diaz’s camp is arguing that the title fight was contracted for 170 pounds, however, and that as a result of the commission’s policy, Diaz should be granted a rematch.

Zahabi reportedly told The Province via email that “GSP made weight and he had his shorts on”, alluding to the fact that the fighter could have removed his shorts if needed. The renowned trainer added:

“I was told the decimal didn’t count, so we didn’t worry about it. I don’t see even .9 making a difference in a fight, so I didn’t give it any thought.”

It remains to be seen whether the complaint will prompt any further investigation, as the Quebec Commission has already released a statement reaffirming that–unlike most other jurisdictions– it does not factor in decimal points at weigh-ins. Diaz’s camp has categorized the rule as showing favoritism to St. Pierre, who is from Quebec.

St. Pierre went on to score a unanimous decision victory over Diaz at the event. The latter’s representatives have also accused the Quebec Commission of not properly overseeing the event’s post-fight drug testing.

posted by FCF Staff @ 2:58 pm

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